Jumilla wine route, Bodegas Carchelo

Bodegas Carchelo is 10 kilometres from Jumilla at the foot of the Sierra del Carche

Bodegas Carchelo is one of the more picturesque wineries which can be visited in Jumilla, and is located at the foot of the Sierra del Carche mountains which reach an altitude of 1,371 metres above sea level. As well as the views, though, visitors will be attracted by the reputation for high quality which the Bodega has earned through its determination to produce top wines from the native grape harvest, a policy which was shared with others and which led to Denomination of Origin status being awarded to Jumilla half a century ago in 1966.

The vineyards and winery

Bodegas Carchelo owns 110 hectares of vineyards all over the municipality of Jumilla, most of them at around 600 metres above sea level, and this variety of location means that the winery is less exposed to the risk of damage by localized storms and frosts. At the same time, the grapes harvested have varying but complementary characteristics, and are grown on vines with an average age of 15 years, although some of the vines within their stock are amongst the oldest in Jumilla.

As well as the Monastrell which is the dominant grape variety in Jumilla, and among which some vines are around 100 years old, the vineyards include Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vines which are used in the production of different wines. This, combined with the different orientations and altitudes of the vineyards, allows the picking season to be staggered throughout the autumn rather than concentrated into just a couple of weeks.

All of the grape varieties are selected for their ability to resist the sometimes harsh weather conditions in Jumilla, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35ºC in summer but snow not uncommon in winter. Allied to the frequent periods of drought, this means that hardy vines are imperative, and at the same time they must be able to thrive in the limestone-based soil.

Each plot of land on which vines are grown is clearly delimited and the grapes are picked and treated separately, ensuring maximum traceability and quality control.

Production currently runs to approximately 300,000 bottles per year, and the main export markets are those of the USA, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Australia and New Zealand.

The wines of Bodegas Carchelo

Despite their success, the staff of Cachelo view themselves as forming part of a small concern, and they specialize only in producing high-quality Crianza red wine.

Great emphasis is placed at this bodega not only on producing wine of the very highest quality, but also on design, marketing and branding, and the labels are plain but eye-catching, mostly in black and white. At the same time, the bottle shapes are slightly different from the norm, as are the tin capsules placed around the neck and the cork.

Carchelo Selecto: this is one of the most prestigious wines produced at Bodegas Carchelo, and is notable for the subtlety of its aroma and flavour. In 2016 the American magazine Wine Spectator named Carchcelo Selecto 2012 as one its five most recommended wines in the world. Interestingly, it features on a list where its main competitors are at least five times as expensive!

According to Wine Spectator, this wine is perfect at present and could potentially remain at its best until the year 2022.

Vedre: produced using the varieties of Monastrell (50%), Syrah (25%) and Tempranillo (25%).

Sierva: a wine produced using no fewer than four grape varieties (40% Monastrell, 30% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon).

Canalizo: another wine produced by merging the different qualities of Monastrell (40%), Syrah (30%) and Tempranillo (30%).

Altico: made from Syrah grapes, this lively red wine is perfect for drinking now or for laying down for up to seven years.

Autista: a highly unusual wine, in that it has been produced since 1990 without any commercial motives. All profits from sales are donated to the Astrade charity, which helps people with autism and related disorders, and the ingredients are listed as being 30% affection, 30% enthusiasm, 40% excitement and 0% self-interest.

The text on the label of the bottle reads “I am different, I am unique, I am not like you, I have a soul and heart and I love life. I will not change much with the passing of time.” Any reader who fails to buy a bottle has a heart of stone!

Visiting Bodegas Carchelo

The winery is open to the public on weekdays from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Weekend opening hours are variable.

However, the normal starting time for guided tours is 10.30 during the week and 11.00 at weekends.

The tour begins with a brief visit to the vineyards and continues with an explanation of the whole production process, from grape to bottle, including a tasting in the attractive barrel room where wines are laid to age.

Prior reservations are required for all visits, with the typical package consisting of a tour of the winery itself and the tasting of two wines. Prices vary according to requirements and group size, but a standard tour including tasting costs 6 euros per head (free for under 18s, who will not be invited to take part in the tasting).

Booking is required by telephone or by email at info@carchelo.com.

Wines may be purchased directly from the bodega without participating in a visit.

How to find Bodegas Carchelo

Bodegas Carchelo is in a stunning part of the municipality of Jumilla at the foot of the mountains of Sierra del Carche, and is easy to find once the visitor has identified the right road!

For those approaching Jumilla from the south on the N-344 road dual carriageway, take the first turn-off which is signposted as leading to the centre of the town. This leads straight on onto the Avenida de Murcia while the N-344 curves away to ring Jumilla to the west and north, and the turning towards Sierra del Carche is almost immediately on the right.

The Bodega is among those which are signposted at this turning, and is reached by following the MU-15-A road which heads east towards the mountains. Bodegas Carchelo is signposted on the right after approximately 10 kilometres (click for map).